Hostel Collapses in Anambra

A three-storey student hostel has collapsed in Oko, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, trapping an unspecified number of occupants beneath the debris.

The building, known as Elite Five Star Lodge, is situated beside Tonimas Filling Station in the Amokpala area of Oko.

The structure reportedly gave way in the early hours of Monday, triggering panic among students and residents of the community as rescue efforts commenced.

According to a report by The PUNCH, eyewitnesses said the building gave way while occupants, believed to be mostly students, were inside, although authorities have yet to confirm the number of casualties or those trapped.

An eyewitness, who identified herself simply as Ifeoma in a viral video, said residents were alerted by a loud sound before the structure collapsed.

“We heard a very loud noise before the building collapsed. The noise attracted many residents and students, who rushed to the scene to see what had happened.

“And within moments after the loud noise from the building, the occupants inside started shouting for help as the building fell,” she said.

Videos and photographs from the scene showed emergency responders, security personnel and volunteers searching through the debris in an effort to rescue survivors.

Officials of the Anambra State Fire Service, the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and other emergency agencies were seen coordinating rescue operations.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said a police-led joint security team was immediately deployed after receiving a distress call.

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In a statement signed on Monday, Ikenga said, “The Anambra State Police-led Joint Security Team assures the public that rescue operations are ongoing following the late-night incident on Sunday involving the collapse of a three-storey building known as Elite Five Star Lodge, located beside Tonimas Filling Station, Amokpala, Oko, in Orumba North Local Government Area of the state.

“The incident resulted in some occupants being trapped beneath the rubble. On receipt of the distress report, the Police, in collaboration with other security agencies, immediately mobilised to the scene, secured the area to prevent further danger, and coordinated rescue efforts.

“The Anambra State Fire Service and the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency also responded promptly and joined in the rescue operation.”

Ikenga said some victims had been pulled out alive from the debris and taken to a hospital in Oko for treatment, while rescue teams continued efforts to reach others who might still be trapped.

He noted that the number of casualties and those affected had not yet been determined.

The police spokesperson urged residents to remain calm, refrain from spreading unverified information and stay away from the scene to allow emergency responders unhindered access.

He added that further updates would be released as more verified information becomes available.